Category: Wine & Grapes

Smooth, satisfying dark-fruit wine made in the country where archaeology indicates human wine production began 8,000 years ago. This wine was fermented and aged in qvevri using a distinct red grape, then made in a modern winery born after the disasters of Soviet-era wine diktats. Whew, more than worth a sip, especially at its price point. $19–30. Continue reading →

Delicious, very food-friendly, and an exceptional value from a legendary Alsatian biodynamic white wine maker. Blend of Auxerrois Blanc and Pinot Blanc grapes. $30-35. Continue reading →

Very dark, somewhat rustic wine made from ancient Otskhanuri Sapere grapes thought to be a transitional variety between wild and domesticated vines. This example displays a gamey, savory edge. At the same time, it is smooth with noticeable but amenable tannins and works well with hearty, umami-driven fare. $15-24 Continue reading →

Complex, layered wine made with the negroamaro grape, a key black-skinned grape in Salento, the sun-washed peninsula in the heel of Italy’s boot. This is a stellar example of what can be done with the grape. Easy drinker over-delivers. $28-30 Continue reading →

Pale straw color; lemon-lime, peach, grapefruit, pineapple, passion fruit, pear, crushed sea shells, minerality, saline on the nose and palate. Continue reading →

By best estimate, there are some 10,000 different grape varieties in the world. If you tasted a different one every day, it would take you more than 27 years to complete the task. Thankfully, the world of wine is confined to a smaller number. Continue reading →

Deep ruby color; blackberry, plum, dark cherry, chocolate, baking spice, coffee, tobacco, licorice, smoke on the nose and palate. Continue reading →

Deep ruby color; blackberry, black cherry, blueberry, redcurrant, raspberry, plum, cocoa, chocolate, licorice, earth, oak on the nose and palate. Continue reading →

If you go into almost any wine shop, liquor store, or supermarket wine section in the United States—and now in most places in the world—you will find wine bottles arranged and named by the variety of grape used to make the wine. Continue reading →

You likely have seen the description “old vine” on a wine label. What exactly does that mean and is it important? Continue reading →